Holy Bull!

Saratoga sinner goes on to win it! I was even more surprised about this win then Capt. Candyman can's race yesterday. This Harlan's Holiday colt was able to run down Bear's Rocket in the stretch and, win by a head. West side Bernie was third and, my favorite Beethoven struggled with the extreme outside post to the tight first turn and, finished fourth. Saratoga sinner's next race could be the Florida Derby also run at Gulfstream Park. Saratoga sinner is out of the mare Naughty Linda(Slew City Slew).Julien Leparoux was aboard and the race was run in 1:38.1/5, over 1 1/8 miles on a fast main track. Very game win.

In other news....Albertus Maximus won the Donn Handicap over Finallymadeit with a half length victory. The Donn was the third start on dirt for him. They finished in 1:50.96 on a fast dirt track. My favorite, Einstein, finished third.

Nicanor grabbed his quarter(which is a minor injury in which the back hoof is stepped on or clipped by the front hoof), and finished tenth in a field of 12 horses in his debut. What did I tell you? Full siblings are never as great as their counterparts. Though getting injuried and being rank in the early stages does give him an excuse for the loss, which I understand. Edgar Prado went on to say this after the race,"[Nicanor's] better than that. I've worked him in the mornings and he showed me a lot,” Prado said. “He broke really fast and unfortunately grabbed his left quarter. We'll just have to see how long it takes to heal, but I know he's better than that." It is unclear when he will be racing again. They will be waiting to see how severe the injury is then, deciding on his next race. Warrior's Reward won, with Allrightsreserved finishing second.

Old Fashioned meanwhile is on again for the Southwest at Oaklawn. Larry Jones will definitely be shipping the gray Unbridled's song colt to Hot springs, Arkansas. Jones plans on working him two more times before the race. Flat out will also be working in the next couple days in preparation for the Southwest.

Well enjoy your night guys!

Kirsten

Hutcheson recap

Captain Candyman Can took the Hutcheson Stakes today, taking the lead four wide and winning by 1 1/2 lengths over Hello Broadway. He ran the race in 1:23.69 on a fast main track. To be honest I'm pretty surprised about this win. I thought it would either be Hello Broadway or Break water edison, one two. Well I was half right. Very nice win for the Candy Ride gelding. I do think Break water edison had a very poor performance here. Just never really kicked in. Hello Broadway finished 2nd 4 1/2 ahead of Bee Cee Cee.

Meanwhile, Old fashioned's trainer is reconsidering entering him in the Southwest stakes at Oaklawn. Originally he was going to be shipped to Oaklawn this week but, frigid temperatures stopped this. Here's a quote from Jones.

"I'm not sure what we'll do, but we have to do something fast," Jones said. "I know that both Gulfstream and Tampa would love to have them. We'll see what happens."

So I'll keep you guys posted on any news on our old friend, Old fashioned.

In Kentucky Oaks news, Frolic's Dream won the Forward Gal at Gulfstream Park. She went 7 furlongs in 1:24.15 on a track labeled fast. The Smoke Glacken filly won the race 2 1/2 lengths over 2nd place finishing filly Renda.

What is the deal with the very talented gray three year olds this year? Is anyone else but me realizing this?! It's crazy! But I like it. I love the gray horses.

Kirsten

Workouts for Derby contenders

Here are some delayed workout information on Derby horses that have worked out in the last three days.

Old Fashioned, Today
Fair Grounds
Five Furlongs
58:80 Breezing
Fast
Dirt
1/26

The Pamplemousse, Yesterday
Santa Anita Park
Three Furlongs
36:20 Breezing
Fast
Sythetics
3/15

Break Water Edison, Yesterday
Gulfstream Park
Three Furlongs
36:20 Breezing
Fast
Dirt
1/8

Hello Broadway, Tuesday
Gulfstream Park
Four Furlongs
47:00 Breezing
Fast
Dirt
1/19

Well there you go. Have a great afternoon everyone!
Kirsten

Nicanor will debut Saturday

Nicanor, who is the full brother to Barbaro the 2006 Derby winner who tragically broke down in the Preakness, is going to be racing Saturday in a one mile maiden special weight on the dirt track at Gulfstream Park. His trainer Michael Matz, who was also the trainer of Barbaro, and Roy and Gretchen Jackson his owners, who also owned Barbaro, are excited about Barbaro's first full brother to race.
Here is the horses going to race.

1.Unbridled Cardinal
2.Big Flirt
3.Andiron
4.Nicanor
5.Warrior's Reward
6.Allrightsreserved
7.Boyhood Dream
8.Il Postino
9.Trust the Deputy
10.Dubinsky
11.Single Malt
12.Audeamus
AE.Stayonit

I have a gut feeling that Nicanor might not do so well. It's always been that full brothers or sisters to great racehorses have never really been able to reproduce what their older sibling had done. I don't know, maybe I'm being superstitious. But hey, horse racing is full of superstitious people.

Anyway, Here is the lineup for Beethoven's race on Saturday. The Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream which is 1 1/8 miles.

1.Bruce n Autumn
2.Danger to Society
3.Bear's Rocket
4.Saratoga sinner
5.El Crespo
6.Rockland
7.Stately Character
8.Idol Maker
9.Nowhere to hide
10.West Side Bernie
11.Beethoven

I like Beethoven for this race, I think he'll do well at this distance. Though he's going to have to overcome that far outside post, and the other good horses on the inside of him.

And for the heck of it, here's the feature race for Gulfstream's Saturday card the Donn Handicap for four year olds and up. $500,000 1 1/8 miles on the dirt.

1.Finallymadeit
2.Albertus Maximus
3.Anak Nakal
4.Bullsbay
5.A.P. Arrow
6.On board again
7.Arson Squad
8.Sir whimsey
9.Great hunter
10.Einstein

Again my favorite horse is on the outside. Figures.
Well hope you have great evening!
Kirsten

Eclipse winners!

Here are the Eclipse winners for 2008!

2 year old male- Midshipman
2 year old female- Stardom Bound
Turf male- Conduit
Turf female- Forever together
Steeplechase- Good night shirt
3 year old male- Big brown
3 year old female- Proud Spell
Jockey- Garret Gomez
Apprentice jockey- Pascacio Lopez
Older Female- Zenyatta
Older Male- Curlin
Trainer- Steve Asmussen
Male sprinter- Benny the Bull
Female sprinter- Indian Blessing
Breeder- Adena Springs
Owner- Stronach Stables
Horse of the Year- Curlin

I do have to say that I'm not surprised Curlin is Horse of the year again. He made history by breaking the earnings to 10 million. He is also a Great to be remembered. I'am disappointed though, that they picked Midshipman, Conduit, and Forever together for their categories. I think that Vineyard Haven or Old fashioned should have won over Midshipman, Einstein over Conduit, and definitely Goldikova over Forever together. I mean for goodness sakes, Goldikova won over the guys in the Turf! Whatever, it's not my choice. I'm also glad Steve Asmussen won over Richard Dutrow. I have a strong dislike of him after the incidents with Big Brown, and other horses under his care. Otherwise everyone else that won I'm happy about. Have a great night everyone!
Kirsten

Yesterday's workouts, entries and Eclipse finalists

Yesterday Pioneerofthenile, Stadom Bound and Nicanor(who is full brother to Barbaro) worked out in advance to their races. Here are the results.

Pioneerofthenile
Santa anita park
Six furlongs
1:10:60 Breezing
Fast
Sythetics
1/38

So far Pioneerofthenile has posted 3 bullet works out of the four he has had since his last race.

Stardom Bound
Santa anita park
Six furlongs
1:12:00 Handily
Fast
Sythetics
1/17

Mini Zenyatta(a nickname for Stardom Bound) tied for the second fastest work of the day for that distance of six furlongs.

Nicanor
Palm Meadows Training Center
Five furlongs
1:01:20 Handily
Fast
Dirt
8/38

Nicanor will be starting in his maiden race, as a three year old around the time of the Donn Handicap. Nicanor has been breezing on both dirt, and turf so he could be starting on either though I guess he will start on turf like his brother.

Also here are the entries for the Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream park on Friday.

1.Break Water Edison
2.Bee Cee Cee
3.Capt. Candyman can
4.Hello Broadway
5.Salo Jak
6.Rocketing returns
7.Z-day
My favorite for the Hutcheson would have to be Hello Broadway. I don't do any wagering so I like to go with horses I know are good. I would have to pick to place Break water edison then to show Capt. Candyman Can.

As everyone should know the Eclipse awards are tonight in Miami. Here are the finalists for each category.

Two-Year-Old Male: Midshipman, Old Fashioned, Vineyard Haven
Two-Year-Old Filly: Dream Empress, Maram, Stardom Bound
Three-Year-Old Male: Big Brown, Colonel John, Raven’s Pass
Three-Year-Old Filly: Eight Belles, Music Note, Proud Spell
Older Male: Commentator, Curlin, Einstein
Older Female: Cocoa Beach, Ginger Punch, Zenyatta
Male Sprinter: Benny the Bull, Midnight Lute, Street Boss
Female Sprinter: Indian Blessing, Intangaroo, Ventura
Male Turf Horse: Conduit, Einstein, Grand Couturier
Female Turf Horse: Cocoa Beach, Forever Together, Goldikova
Steeplechase Horse: Be Certain, Good Night Shirt, Sovereign Duty
Owner: Godolphin Racing, IEAH Stables, Stronach Stables
Breeder: Adena Springs, Stonerside Stable, WinStar Farm
Trainer: Steve Asmussen, Richard Dutrow Jr., Bobby Frankel
Jockey: Robby Albarado, Rafael Bejarano, Garrett Gomez
Apprentice Jockey: Inez Karlsson, Pascacio Lopez, Abel Mariano

Well that's all for now. I hope to maybe have the Eclipse winners up tonight when then announce them. Too bad it's not broadcasted on TV.
Kirsten

Overview of Derby Contenders

Here is the overview of some of the horses I will be following this Kentucky Derby Trail. More will probably be added or subtracted from this list.

Flat Out (Flatter)- Won the $50,000 Smarty Jones at Oaklawn by 3 1/2 lengths. Jockey Julio Garcia was aboard, and they finished the mile race in 1:39 on a fast main track. Flat out is a Florida bred out of multiple stakes winner Cresta Lil (Cresta Rider). He will be nominated to the Southwest Stakes there on February 16.

Hello Broadway (Broken Vow)- He was second to Break Water Edison in the Nov. 2 Nashua Stakes (G2). He will start next in the $150,000 Hutcheson Stakes (G2) on January 30 going 7 furlongs. He has worked over Gulfstream's track going six furlongs for Barclay Tagg. Bolting through the first half he slowed to post a time of 1:15 3/5. Half brother to Nobiz like Shobiz (Albert the Great). His schedule is to run next in the Fountain of Youth stakes (G2) on February 28 at one mile, then the Florida Derby (G1) at 9 furlongs on March 28.

Break Water Edison (Lemon Drop Kid)- Won the Nov. 2 Nashua Stakes over Hello Broadway, and will go next in the Hutcheson Stakes. He breezed 5 furlongs in 1:00 4/5 over Gulfstream's main track for his first work. His jockey Alan Garcia kept him wide to keep the horse from expending himself too much. His trainer John Kimmel said "There's no doubt in my mind that longer will be better for this horse. He's got great tactical speed."

Desert Party (Street Cry)- Winner of last summer's Sanford stakes he won at Nad al Sheba in Dubai with a half length victory over Regal Ransom (Distorted humor). He completed the race in 1:24 2/5 on a fast track at 7 furlongs. He is out of Sage Cat (Tabasco Cat).

The Pamplemousse (Kafwain)- Won the San Rafael stakes (G3) over Breeder's Futurity winner Square Eddie. The Pamplemousse will be staying at Santa Anita, and will start next in the February 28 Sham Stakes. He is undefeated since stretching out to two turns.

Square Eddie (Smart Strike)- He was 2nd to The Pamplemousse in the San Rafael Stakes at Santa Anita. He will be starting next in the one mile Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn, and go up against Remsen winner Old fashioned. His trainer wants to get Square Eddie onto a real dirt track for a race before the Derby which in run on a real dirt track not sythetic like Santa Anita. Rafael Bejarno will be riding.

Patena (Seeking the Gold)- Will be sent to Richard Dutrow in Florida to train for IEAH stables. Patena ran second in the Lecomte Stakes last time out. His next races could include the Sam F. Davis on February 14 which is 1 1/16 miles at Tampa Bay Downs, or the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream. His final preps might include the Florida Derby at Gulfstream, or the April 4 Wood memorial at Aqueduct in New York. He is the first foal from Handpainted (A.P. Indy.)

Midshipman (Unbridled's song)- Nominated to the 2 million dollar UAE Derby at Nad al Sheba on March 28. Currently he is wintering at Godolphin in Dubai. Midshipman has won the Del mar Futurity, and Breeder's cup Juvenile. Was also 2nd in the Norfolk Stakes at Santa Anita last year.

Vineyard Haven (Lido palace)- He is also nominated to the UAE Derby and wintering at Godolphin. Vineyard haven, the grey son of Lido Palace, won the Hopeful stakes, and Champagne stakes both G1. Godolphin is planning to enter Vineyard Haven in the Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-G3) on February 12. Last year he was also 3rd in the Sanford stakes at Saratoga.

Pioneerofthenile (Empire Maker)- Nominated to the UAE Derby at Nad al Sheba in Dubai by Bob Baffert. He was 3rd in the Breeder's Futurity losing to Square Eddie, and 5th to Midshipman in the Breeder's cup Juvenile. He did win the Cash Call futurity at Hollywood Park.

Stardom Bound (Tapit)- The amazing daughter of Tapit. She was 2nd in the Sorrento Stakes at Del mar, then she won the Del Mar Debutante, Oak Leaf Stakes at Santa Anita, and the Breeder's cup Juvenile fillies. Her next race could be the Las virgenes on February 7 at one mile. Her new owners, after being sold at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November sale, is IEAH stables. Bobby Frankel is her trainer. The only negative part to her is that she has never raced on a dirt track.

Beethoven (Sky Mesa)- Won the Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill downs already showing he can handle and win at Churchill, being 2 for 2 on that track. His last workout was at Gulfstream Park going 5 furlongs in 1:01.60 on a fast track. Calvin Borel was up. He will be running in Saturday's Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Old Fashioned (Unbridled's Song)- Undefeated super colt trained by Larry Jones. He won the Remsen Stakes in superior fashion at Aqueduct. His last work was at Fair grounds on a fast track going 5 furlongs in 1:01.20. He also posted one work over Fair Grounds, going the half mile in :48 1/5 on Jan. 7. He will be aiming for the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park on February 16. Old fashioned has $173,280 in earnings, most coming from his only stakes race, which he won, in the Remsen. He carries the same colors as the ill fated filly Eight belles.

Well that is the lineup of horses I will be following this Derby trail. Hope everyone has a great day!

Kirsten

First post

I decided to start a blog on my favorite sport in the entire world. Horse racing. I have been following it actively since the 2005 Kentucky Derby. I love this sport, and would do anything for it. I have been through the ups of Rags to Riches Belmont victory, and Curlin's 10 million dollar record earnings, to the tragic stories of Barbaro and Eight Belles. Yet I still love this sport, and all it has to offer.
This blog will follow year round, the careers of racehorses in the big leagues. I will be starting with the trail to the 2009 Kentucky Derby, and what a trail it will be. Then I will make my way through the turbulent waters of the Triple Crown, and the way to the Breeder's Cup in the fall. Hopefully this blog will live up to the amazing sport it will be covering.
I will be posting about workouts, race performances, and any other racing information about the horses I will be following.
With this New year's first month almost over, I say hello to every horse racing fan out there, and invite them to come along for this year's wild ride!
Kirsten